Grand Theft Auto 5's three main characters won't all be playable from the start, Rockstar has confirmed.

Speaking to OXM, Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies said that it was important to get to know the characters individually.

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"We want to give the player the opportunity to get to know the three characters individually, and explore the world as each of them, and it would not have been possible if all three had been available from the start," Benzies explained.

Benzies also revealed that the game will be faster-paced than its predecessors, with "intense missions from the start".

"Today, we want to surprise people with very intense missions from the start. The pace of the game is much faster than any of its predecessors," Benzies continued.

"From the beginning, we want to show off the new game mechanics while creating intense, action-packed gameplay, to capture the player's attention immediately.

"Remember that the three characters in the game are already living in the city of Los Santos and surrounding areas. They are not newcomers like Niko and Tommy Vercetti, or people returning after a long absence like CJ.